Man spared jail after roof-top police stand-off

Lucy Hilton

A WIGAN man has been spared jail after an “ugly” episode saw him hurling chimney bricks and slates onto the road below during a rooftop stand-off with police.

Samuel Leiper of Douglas Road, Standish, pleaded guilty at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court to two charges of criminal damage and two charges of assault.

He admits he has done wrong. He feels nothing but affection for his ex-partner. She accepts he has problems and has been unwell and wants to support him alongside his family. He feels dreadful

Bill Pearson - defending

The court heard that it was a cocktail of prescribed medication and alcohol that caused the 22-year-old to carry out the attacks.

Prosecuting, Sarah Kingston said on April 2 Leiper entered the house of his ex-partner, Caroline Crossland, while she was away on holiday.

At around midday Leiper, who had been drinking, had damaged a TV and bannister spindles within the house before clambering up and out of a skylight onto the roof.

He proceeded to walk about the rooftop of the house, as well as nearby neighbouring houses.

Emergency services were called and attempts were made by a PC Hale and PC Davies to persuade Leiper to come down as fears grew for his safety.

Instead, the defendant began throwing slates and chimney bricks onto the ground below.

Ms Kingston explained the debris fell dangerously close to both police officers, with them having to quickly swerve out of the way. Leiper was detained and taken to Wigan Infirmary with concerns over his mental health.

But once there he began swearing and spat at nurse Emma Cartwright. In a statement, she said: “I find it disgusting and dirty.”

Ms Crossland’s house was described as “trashed” with blood on both walls and bedding. A knife was also found alongside empty spirit bottles.

Calling it a “horrible” and “ugly” incident, defending Bill Pearson said: “He admits he has done wrong. He feels nothing but affection for his ex-partner. She accepts he has problems and has been unwell and wants to support him alongside his family. He feels dreadful.”

Leiper was sentenced to an 18-week community order with a curfew requirement and a 30-day rehabilitation order.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £100 to Emma Cartwright, £50 to each of the police officers, £100 to Andrew Duncan for criminal damage and £200 to Joanne Cooper for criminal damage, £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.

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